Getting the best gaming headset can be like crossing a minefield. One bad mistake and you’re going to have a bad time. We’ve dug through the many, many options to find the best one for you.
Gaming headsets are a vital component for a lot of us. Not only do they help us get a massive advantage in certain games, with the ability to bung around stereo and spatial audio, but they also help block out those irritating people around us.
Some might say that there are too many headsets available these days, as the rampant need to facilitate one of the biggest industries takes over just about every aspect of other industries. This isn’t a bad thing for you, the consumer, as it just means that depending on what you want, and your budget, you’ll be finding something that suits you very soon.
If you’re after earbuds, we’ve also covered the best earbuds too. These include the JBL Quantum TWS and ASUS ROG Cetra.
Steelseries Arctis Nova refresh: a hat trick of great headsets
The gaming team recently got their hands on the three new Steelseries headsets for 2022, with the Nova 1, 3, and 7X all taking top review scores home.
In the Arctis Nova 3 review, which got an 8/10, Sam Smith said that it was a great option for those who wanted to go all-wired and ditch the battery problems that a few headsets can run into.
Meanwhile, the Nova 7X got a 9/10 from Lloyd Coombes. In the review, he stated that it went above and beyond more expensive options on the market while costing a fraction. The thing that bumped this into one of Lloyd’s favorites was the fact it was multiplatform. Whether on console or PC, it seems that the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 is the way to go.
However, what about the Nova 1? While it too got a 9/10, this is Steelseries’ newest budget option. In the review, Alex Garton found them to be excellent for the price point they currently sit at. The main takeaway was that they’re perfect for those looking for a pair of headphones for their PS5.
The best overall gaming headset
Despite its lofty price of $350, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is our pick for the best overall gaming headset, according to our own Dylan Horetski. Getting full marks from us, the Arctis Nova Pro dominates with its canceling microphone, sleek design, and most importantly, sound quality.
With around 22 hours of battery life and compatibility with consoles, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is an incredible investment to make for yourself.
You can buy the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro here:
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review: The king of gaming headsets?
Key specs
- Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4ghz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
- Driver diameter: 40mm
- Frequency response: 10–22,000 Hz (Wireless), 10-40,000 Hz (Wired)
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Switch, Xbox (Xbox version only)
- Features: Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Hot-swappable battery
Pluses:
- Excellent battery life
- Clear, brilliant audio
- Noise-canceling microphones for great communication
- Sleek new design
Minuses:
- Expensive
- Might be a little overkill for some
Best budget gaming headsets
Recommending the best budget gaming headset is a little tricky, as the need for an all-in-one featured piece of kit outweighs the potential for saving some cash. Microphones, high-quality audio, and various other bits and bobs like wireless connectivity push ‘budget’ from what you’d be considering at around $50 or below to something under $100.
There’s also the fact that gaming headsets, for the most part, are still a niche product. There might be hundreds available and you might see your favorite esports stars or even Twitch streamers using them, but for the most part, if you want to go truly budget, you’d need to consider a whole other set-up.
So let’s see what we can get for less than $100 and as always, be on the lookout for deals. A lot of these headsets will dip below $100 very often in sales like Prime Day.
JBL Quantum 610
Key specs:
Buy the JBL Quantum 610 from Amazon UK/ B&H (UK/US).
We really enjoyed our time with the JBL Quantum 610, an excellent budget option, coming in at under $150. They not only support surround sound in 7.1, but the software provided makes it easy for those not used to changing settings.
Playing first-person-shooters and cinematic games offered a new experience, with audio accurately tracked as you spin around in the midst of the action. In competitive games like CS: GO, we loved being able to hear the creeping footsteps of the enemy as they gunned us down.
The major downside here is that the software is only suited for those on PC, but luckily, it connects to consoles and other devices without the need for Bluetooth, using a 2.4Ghz dongle.
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
- Weight: 357g/12.6oz
- Compatibility:
- Wireless: Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Switch
- Wired: Anything with a headphone jack
Pluses:
- Great sound at a reasonable price
- 7.1 surround sound really works
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth support
Minuses:
- Lack of Xbox support
- Wired connections strip all functionality out
- The microphone is a little lackluster
Razer Nari wireless
Razer’s peripherals might be a little divisive in some areas, but the good word from those around us is that these headphones are well worth the price of admission. They have over the ear for comfort, with a small microphone in front for easy chatting. The microphone features noise canceling, allowing you a clear line of communication with minimal background noise coming through.
Razer’s gimmick with the audio is that it puts immersion, with a 7.1 surround sound and THX Spatial Audio to get the edge on enemies in certain competitive titles like Call of Duty.
The wireless signal operates on 2.4GHz, with 16 hours of battery life to boot. However, it still does charge with a micro-USB cable, so it’s time to dig through for those in your cupboard.
Key specs
- Connectivity: Micro-USB, 2.4ghz Wireless
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation
- Features: RGB, THX Audio, 16-hour battery
Pluses:
- 7.1 surround sound with THX Spatial Audio onboard
- 2.4GHz signal
- 16 hours of battery life
- Noise-canceling microphones
Minuses:
- Charges with micro-USB instead of USB-C
- Your mileage might vary with the noise-canceling features
Corsair VOID wireless headset
Corsair’s bulky beasts will not hurt your head after a long period of time, thanks to the generous cushions that surround your ears and the top of your head. The rim is a sturdy, solid piece of plastic without much give, making these incredibly reliable.
On the side, the microphone can be muted with just a touch of a button and is built with sturdy materials. It features 7.1 surround sound audio, as well as integration with Corsair’s RGB lighting software if you’re already in the ecosystem. However, those on newer M1 Macs will find that the 7.1 audio does not work, rendering these a no-go for those wanting to use their Macbooks as one of their gaming devices.
Key specs
- Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4ghz Wireless
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-30 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Switch, Xbox
- Features: 7.1 surround sound, RGB,
Pluses:
- 7.1 surround sound audio
- RGB for those into that sort of thing
- Sturdy, well built
Minuses:
- No M1 Mac support
- RGB can be a turnoff
Skullcandy Slyr Pro wired gaming headset
What’s this? Is Skullcandy on the list of budget headsets? What universe did we fall into?
Well, it’s true. The new Slyr Pro line actually provides a decent budget option to go for, coming in at a cool $100, but probably even less seeing as we’re entering Black Friday and holiday sales time.
These are an excellent pair of budget headphones, paired with an okay microphone. It’s removable too, so you won’t see it in the peripheral vision too often.
It works over USB-C or 3.5mm jacks, and in our time testing them, they’ve slowly started to be our default ‘quick game or two’ headphones. They won’t blow anything out the water, but if you see them on sale this November or Christmas, we recommend grabbing a pair.
Key specs
- Connectivity: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
- Weight: 276g
- Compatibility:
- Wired: Anything with a headphone jack or USB port
- Features: Detachable microphone, mute, sidetone
- Price: £89/$100
- Where to buy: Skullcandy
What’s in the box: Skullcandy Slyr Pro, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, USB-A to USB-C
Best gaming headsets under $300
JBL Quantum 810
Key specs:
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
- Compatibility:
- Wireless: Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Switch
- Wired: Anything with a headphone jack
- Features: Lift-to-mute microphone, 7.1 surround sound, dual audio control
- Price: £150/$200
- Where to buy: JBL Direct UK & JBL Direct US
What’s in the box: Quantum 810 headset, 3,5mm to 3.5mm combo jack, wireless dongle, carry bag, USB-C cable
Yes, JBL is cropping up once again, but let’s be honest – they do a good job every time. The JBL Quantum 810s are pretty much in line for sound quality as the 610 recommended above. However, the major difference here is that the Quantum 810 is Bluetooth (that means Switch and Steam Deck support), as well as featuring noise canceling abilities.
Yes, we’d recommend them over the 610 if you have the additional $50 to spare.
Read the review to find out more.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
- Get the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 headset (PS5)
- Get the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 headset (Xbox)
Turtle Beach has been around for so long. Remember when they used to be one of the only viable options outside of the included flimsy piece of plastic in the Xbox 360 box?
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Either way, there’s a reason they’ve lasted as long as they have and it’s because they’re just downright reliable. The Gen 2 versions of the Stealth 700 offers up not only a sleeker, refreshed design but also a few new features over the originals.
It does remove noise cancellation from the Gen 1, but the upside is the cups help drown out the sound that’s coming in thanks to the thick pads around the edges. This comfort is backed up with a microphone that flips up to activate muting and 20-hour-long battery life.
There’s a small USB dongle that comes with it for direct connections without the hassle of Bluetooth, but supposedly you can use both Bluetooth and use the wireless connection at the same time. This dongle is used for consoles.
Make sure you get the right one though. The Xbox and PlayStation 5 versions offer different methods of connectivity.
Key specs
- Connectivity: 2.4ghz Wireless, Bluetooth
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Switch, Xbox (Xbox version only)
- Features: AeroFit cups, all-metal headband, two incoming connections over Bluetooth, and wireless
Pluses:
- Use in two places at once over wireless and Bluetooth
- Dongle reduces a painful pairing process
- 20-hour long battery life
- New design
Minuses:
- Two different versions instead of just being an all-in-one
- Noise cancellation has been removed
Logitech G Pro X
This time, the G Pro X is our next recommendation. These provide a solid 7.1 channel surround sound, which is boosted by the included USB sound card to unlock a whole host of features on a PC.
This includes BlueVoice, their post-processing for the microphone to ensure you sound as clear as day, despite what you might be doing. De-essing and compression without the real need to think, it’s always good to have good quality audio on hand.
If you’re a professional and moving around between PCs, the external sound card that comes with the headset will actually save your presets, so you won’t need to tune them every single time.
The headset is compatible with everything, as it is wired. This means you get the added benefit of it working across all your consoles, with some of the settings you stored on the USB sound card coming through. If however you only use the included jack on the controller, you won’t get any of the benefits.
Key specs
- Connectivity: Wired
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Switch, Xbox
- Features: USB sound card carries your presets, wired, 7.1 surround sound
Pluses:
- BlueVoice post-processing for better mic quality
- Decent audio
- 7.1 surround sound
- USB sound card
Minuses:
- Without the sound card, they’re just a very basic set of headphones
- Every setting has to be configured on a PC first
SteelSeries Arctis 9/9X
SteelSeries, again? Look, just because the new hotness is out, doesn’t discount the excellent previous models. Headsets and headphones rarely ‘go out of date’. The core feature, the listening bit improves only because of the added gimmicks around it.
If the quality of the audio isn’t going to dissipate and the overall quality of the headset isn’t either. That’s why, while they still rule the shelves, the SteelSeries 9X is still a worthy option.
On the Xbox version, you can connect to your console ‘like a controller’, which leaves the Bluetooth ready to be paired to another device to mix your music and game audio. It helps that they look relatively clean too, providing great sound when just out and about listening to music.
SteelSeries also claim the microphone is the same used by aircraft carriers to reduce noise coming in from outside of your voice. There’s also solid 20-hour battery life, ensuring that you won’t need to charge this gaming headset after every session.
Key specs
- Connectivity: USB, 2.4ghz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
- Driver diameter: 40mm
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Switch, Xbox (Xbox version only)
- Features: ChatMix audio control, Bluetooth, and Wireless connections at the same time
Pluses:
- Excellent battery life
- The Xbox version offers two places at once connectivity
- Solid microphone
Minuses:
- Outpaced in features by its newest sibling
- PlayStation doesn’t support ChatMix or surround sound
Best premium gaming headsets
Audeze Penrose
Audeze is usually the type of brand you’d see recommended in and around audiophile forums and such. Their main range of music-focused headphones is absurdly good, with their transition to gaming being a little bit of a bumpy ride.
The included microphone is poor, people have reported that the build quality isn’t exactly on point, and to get the most out of them, you’d have to consider moving away from the wireless Bluetooth to get down with a DAC to boost the audio.
It also drops the previous Audeze gaming headset’s main gimmick, the 3D virtual sound, in favor of supplying a 2.4GHz connection. This makes, for ease of use, the Penrose the better option to use if you’re on a console. It’s compatible with the PlayStation and Xbox consoles as the 2.4GHz dongle that comes with it can be popped in to avoid using Bluetooth.
So why would we recommend something that isn’t exactly perfect in the premium section of our top recommendations?
Audeze makes some of the best headphones, despite the faults, the quality is incredible. Inside the Audeze headset is the patented planar magnetic drivers, which are 100mm in size. This provides you with an increased volume, bass response and just an overall better audio experience.
These planar magnetic drivers are included in the Penrose headset and provide an excellent gaming experience. What about the Mobius though?
While the quality difference is minimal in the audio department, the extra features in the audio department are where it matters. The Penrose can use Dolby Atmos and DTSX virtual surround sound, but these just don’t compare to the bespoke 3D Virtual Sound.
The issue here is that the Mobius is only compatible with the PC, which is great for PC players, but absolutely useless on the console front. However, the 3D Virtual Sound is incredible and well worth the entry fee of the extra $100. Though it’s totally understandable if that’s too rich for your blood.
Key specs
- Connectivity: Wired, 2.4ghz Wireless, Bluetooth
- Driver diameter: 100mm
- Frequency response: 10 – 50 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Switch, Xbox (Xbox version only)
- Features: Detachable microphone, 100mm drivers, dual wireless connection
Pluses:
- Incredible sound
- 2.4GHz connectivity to avoid Bluetooth lag
- Cheaper than the PC-only Mobius
Minuses:
- Elaborate and finicky
- Overkill in some areas
- No Audeze 3D audio
Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless gaming headset
Bose, is one of the favorites in the audio business for a reason. Impressive audio is backed up with quality in every other department. While not strictly for the audiophile, these will be more than enough for any discernible gaming enthusiast trying to get the most out of their games.
These are quality headphones, which if you’ve ever been within listening distance of a pair of Bose headphones, you’ll already know of. Now condensed into a gaming headset, you not only get the best of both worlds. High-quality audio with minimal compromise and a wonderfully constructed headset.
The thing with the Bose headphones is that Bose has almost perfected noise cancellation, allowing you to focus on your game rather than hearing the blaring fan from your PC or even those pesky other people around you.
While the price is steep, know that you’re going to get one of the best listening experiences outside of Audeze’s high-end headphones.
Key specs
Bose isn’t really keen on the specs being released in detail. Seriously, their website has no specs for these.
- Connectivity: USB, wired, Bluetooth
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Switch, Xbox (Xbox version only)
- Features: Acoustic Noise Cancelling, removable microphone, 2-in-1 design
Pluses:
- Bose quality headphones
- Minimal compromise using these over a pair of dedicated headphones
- Noise cancellation is one of the best in the business
Minuses:
- Steep price
Astro Gaming A50 wireless (with base station)
- Get the Astro Gaming A50 wireless (for PS5/PC/Mac)
- Get the Astro Gaming A50 wireless (for Xbox/PC/Mac)
Ever wanted a spaceship on your head? Now you can. The Astro headphones, outside of Turtle Beach, have been staples of many, many gaming setups. Their tech and quality offer some of the best headsets for you to game with.
The additional feature here is the included Dolby Atmos button, that turns on the virtual surround sound to give you a new dynamic for your audio. It’ll simulate a 3D location, but milage will vary depending on the game itself.
There are around 15 hours of battery life, along with individual toggles on the headset itself to control the volume of the voice chat or game. The headphones also have swappable cups so you can choose material or fake leather.
Key specs
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless connection,
- Driver diameter: 40mm
- Frequency response: 20–20 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, Mac (both versions), Playstation (PS5 version), Xbox (Xbox version)
- Features: Built-in mix amp, Astro Audio V2, Dolby Audio, flip to mute microphone
Pluses:
- Decent battery life
- Included cradle to charge them
- The full feature set, including Dolby Atmos
Minuses:
- Garish design
- Really expensive
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